Retired NDLEA Directors assure continued backing for anti-drug efforts

By Stanley Ihedigbo

Retired Deputy Commanders General of Narcotics (DCGN), who previously served as directors in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have assured the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), of their continued support in the fight against drugs.

According to the Director of Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Femi Babafemi, the retired directors paid a visit to Marwa to congratulate him on the recent renewal of his tenure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also pledging their sustained support for the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Leading the team of nine retired directors on the congratulatory visit, the Agency’s former Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Sunday Nbona Joseph (rtd), commended Marwa for his relentless efforts to transform NDLEA into a frontline drug law enforcement body that is now globally recognized and respected.

He noted that the Agency, its workforce, and Nigeria stand to gain greatly from Marwa’s reappointment because of his commitment, hard work, and leadership qualities.

While expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for reappointing Marwa for another five-year tenure, the retired directors assured that they remain ready to offer advice, suggestions, and support to ensure the continuous operational success of the Agency.

“With your reappointment, we ask God to grant you longevity and even greater capacity to achieve more milestones. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of this effort at such short notice,” DCGN Sunday stated, after which the team presented a giant congratulatory card to the NDLEA boss.

In his response, Marwa thanked them for their kind gesture and best wishes, including those from directors who could not be physically present.

According to him, “We are grateful to the president who deemed it fit to renew our tenure. I’m grateful to all of you for being part of the reason for this renewal. Obviously, a CEO cannot make those seizures, arrests, sensitizations, and all the rehabilitation efforts happen alone. No CEO does that alone—it is all under the commands of your various directorates.

“I’m not saying anything that is not factual. I rely on the management team, which you have been, from the day I joined until you retired. So, I appreciate all that you have contributed and continue to contribute. I’m under no delusion that everyone is happy I came back for a second tenure—not least the criminal elements.”

He further assured them that the Agency has recorded significant successes since their retirement and emphasized that even more will be achieved in the coming days, “because President Tinubu is giving NDLEA the full backing we need to achieve more.”